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Undergraduate Minor inSociology

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Gain a better understanding of how social situations inform our decision-making in both our personal and professional lives. This flexible minor allows you to explore courses that are relevant to your specific interests and is a valuable addition to any major.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

18 Credits$632/$678 per credit

Enhance Your Penn State Degree

Add a minor to get even more value out of your education.

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior in social contexts, including families, schools, religions, and public or private organizations. Because all human behavior is social behavior, a background in sociology can benefit students in every field of study and offer a better understanding of how social situations inform our decision-making in both our personal and professional lives. A background in sociology can help you learn how to influence everyday processes to create better outcomes.

Penn State’s sociology minor allows you to explore a wide range of topics, from social inequalities and social problems to the core institutions of family, school, religion, and government. The sociology minor has the flexibility to allow you to explore courses that are relevant to your specific interests. In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier institutions in the world to study and work in the liberal arts disciplines.

The minor is open to all interested undergraduate World Campus students who meet the prerequisites.

The 18-credit course work includes the required Introductory Sociology course, along with elective courses that you may choose to match your specific area of interest.

Convenient and Flexible

Each course is taught using a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility while maintaining teacher and student interaction. As a Penn State World Campus student, you have the opportunity to learn when and where it's most convenient for you.

Required Course (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life.

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

Electives (select 15 credits)

At least 6 credits must be at the 400 level.

  • 3
    credits

    Explanations and measurement of crime; criminal law; characteristics of criminals and victims; violent, property, white-collar, organized, and sexual crimes.

  • 3
    credits

    Family structure and interaction; functions of the family as an institution; cross-cultural comparisons.

    • Note

      not currently available through World Campus

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3–4
    credits

    Focuses on historical patterns and current status of racial, ethnic and cultural groups and issues locally, nationally, and internationally.

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    The study of social influence, leadership and status, and social cohesion and commitment processes in small groups.

  • 3
    credits

    Work and occupational life in modern society; work in the past, present, and future.

  • 3
    credits

    The role of gender in shaping contemporary North American patterns of employment, occupational roles, and statuses.

  • 3
    credits

    Law and Society studies the social origins of law and legal systems, occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$638 per credit$685 per credit
12–19$7,755 per semester$8,371 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Upcoming Events

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Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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You must be a current student and meet specific requirements to apply for a minor.

Application Instructions

Steps to Apply

  1. To be eligible for admittance into this minor, you must:

    • be a current Penn State undergraduate student in your 5th semester and be in a bachelor's degree major
    • maintain a grade of C or better in all courses for the minor
    • ensure the minor code and major code do not match

  2. Talk with your academic adviser about incorporating the minor into your major and to develop a semester-by-semester plan for meeting requirements. You should add the minor as early as possible, but you can apply up to the late drop deadline of your graduating semester.

  3. Add the minor in LionPATH

    You will receive a confirmation email once you declare the minor in LionPATH.

Admissions Help

Please work with your adviser if you have questions about adding a minor. You can find your adviser's contact information in your student portal or by calling advising at 814-863-3283.

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Minor in Sociology, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, please contact:

World Campus Advising
Phone: 814-863-3283
[email protected]